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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
09:34
Synthesis of Information-bearing Peptoids and their Sequence-directed Dynamic Covalent Self-assembly
Published on: February 6, 2020
Ion-pair induced self-assembly in aqueous solvents.
Thomas H Rehm1, Carsten Schmuck
1Institut für Organische Chemie, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Universitätstraße 7, 45117 Essen, Germany.
Chemical Society Reviews
|June 17, 2010
Summary
Supramolecular chemistry utilizes self-assembly to create nanostructures. Recent advances focus on polar solvents and water, overcoming limitations of earlier nonpolar solvent systems for broader applications.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Self-assembly of small molecules into defined nanostructures is a key area in modern chemistry.
- Early work primarily used hydrogen-bond induced self-assembly, limited to nonpolar organic solvents.
- A significant shift is occurring towards self-assembly in polar solvents and water.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review representative examples of self-assembling systems in polar solvents.
- To illustrate diverse concepts and strategies for achieving self-assembly in polar media.
- To discuss the unique properties and challenges of water as a solvent for supramolecular chemistry.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on self-assembling systems in polar solvents.
- Analysis of strategies for designing molecules that self-assemble in polar environments.
- Discussion of water's properties influencing self-assembly.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of various self-assembly approaches applicable to polar solvents.
- Highlighting successful strategies for creating nanostructures in protic media.
- Identification of challenges and opportunities in using water for self-assembly.
Conclusions:
- Self-assembly in polar solvents, especially water, is an expanding frontier in supramolecular chemistry.
- Overcoming solvent limitations enables broader applications of self-assembled nanostructures.
- Further research is needed to fully harness water's potential for precise nanostructure construction.
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